Bentley Continental GT3 Project Powers Ahead

CREWE, UNITED KINGDOM – June 12, 2013: Since the world debut of
Bentley’s GT3 Concept Racer at the Paris Auto Salon in September
2012, a dedicated team of Bentley engineers has been developing the
Continental GT3 in preparation for Bentley’s highly anticipated
return to the track. Building on a rich racing heritage spanning ninety
years, the new Continental GT3 is set to explore the extreme potential of
Bentley’s iconic Grand Tourer and exploit the performance DNA
contained within every Bentley.

With expert guidance and cooperation from Bentley’s GT3 technical
partner, M-Sport Ltd1, the race-ready version of the Continental has been
taking shape over the last six months. Leading the project is Brian Gush,
Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, who took the company to victory at
Le Mans in 2003. He comments: “Motorsport is an integral part of
Bentley, and the performance and endurance qualities of all of our road
cars reflect this racing heritage. Not one single part of the GT3 has
escaped our attention, and the result is a car that can compete with the
field in terms of factors such as power, weight and
aerodynamics.”

Powered by a race-configured version of Bentley’s highly efficient
4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, the GT3 puts its power to the road via a
six-speed sequential racing gearbox. Double wishbone suspension, four-way
adjustable dampers and competition brakes make up the chassis system, while
more than 1000 kg of weight has been saved over the Continental GT road car
by removing the equipment and parts that make the road car such a luxurious
and refined Grand Tourer such as double glazing, over fifty ECUs and
extensive electrical systems. The exquisitely trimmed Continental GT doors
have been replaced by race versions, weighing just 12% of the
originals.

The iconic silhouette of the road car is retained as the main body shell
is almost a direct carryover, while doors, boot lid and bonnet are now
hand-crafted in carbon fibre. The bodyshell itself benefits from a
comprehensive FIA-specification roll cage, more than doubling its
stiffness. Meanwhile, the carbon fibre racing seat has been trimmed by the
craftsmen and women of the Crewe factory, who have also meticulously
stitched the racing steering wheel and door pulls, just as they would on a
Continental GT road car.

The Continental GT3 will soon be ready to begin a test programme ahead
of its race debut. More details and specification of the Continental GT3
will be released soon.